A NEW team launched to ensure derelict buildings in Newquay do not become an eyesore has 15 properties in its sights.

Newquay Town Council’s derelict buildings working party has so far listed properties including the former Andy’s Café in East Street, Skerryvore on Island Crescent and Hotel Bristol at Narrowcliff.

The group has been reestablished following concerns that an increasing number of derelict buildings will have a cumulative negative impact on the town and its tourism. Fears have also been raised about people entering derelict buildings and the properties becoming dangerous during storms as slates can be blown off.

The information will be fed to Cornwall Council, which will be encouraging the property owners of the “priority sites” to either get the buildings refurbished, gain planning permission for redevelopment schemes or to knock them down.

Newquay Town Council discussed the issue at its meeting on Wednesday, October 1. Town councillors were asked to highlight any derelict buildings they have concerns about in their divisions.

Newquay central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny, who is helping to head the group, said: “The derelict working party has had its second meeting. It is reporting to planning and licensing.

“We are looking to identify a list of derelict buildings and sites. We came up with about 15. We are having a forthcoming meeting.

“I call on town councillors to have a think about what derelict buildings they worry about. Is it Andy’s Café, the Hotel Bristol or Skerryvore? They are the obvious ones.

“If there is a building that is derelict and looks like it could decay, its looking bad, it’s not being looked after properly then we would be happy to add it to the list.”

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “I’m really pleased to hear that the derelict working party is happening.”